Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Actor Lee Byung-hun has been cleared of defamation charges filed against him in March by baseball player-turned-TV personality Kang Byung-kyu.

The Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office ruled Thursday that Lee is "not guilty" of defaming Kang who had claimed he was wrongly accused of his involvement in a feud between the actor and his ex-girlfriend identified by her last name Kwon.

A legal dispute between the former couple had fired up when Kwon lodged a complaint to court saying she was allured into having a sexual relationship with the actor on his false promises of marriage and demanded she be compensated for physical and psychological damage.

Lee too had filed a suit against Kwon as well as Kang, who according to Lee's legal representatives, was behind those who had demanded for money in exchange for exposing details of the actor's personal life.

Prosecutors sided with Lee, indicting Kang in mid-March for defamation and attempted blackmail against the actor. An angered Kang had then countersued Lee for defamation.

"Kang failed to provide detailed testimonies on how Lee marred his reputation and Lee denied the charges through paper so we were not able to find any definite evidence," the prosecutors office explained.

Accordingly, the legal dispute surrounding the two celebrities can be considered concluded.

Kang has also been indicted for his alleged involvement in an assault case on the set of "Iris" -- then starring Lee -- which he visited in mid-December over talk that Chung Tae-won, chief of Taewon Entertainment and producer of the hit show, had spread false rumor that he was behind the feud between Lee and Kwon.

Kang also has a suspended jail term which he received in February for habitually gambling through online gambling sites.

Chief investigator Kwak Jeong-hee at Gangnam Police Station gives a briefing on singer and actor Park Yong-ha's death on June 30, 2010 in Seoul, South Korea.

Police have officially announced suicide is the cause of singer and actor Park Yong-ha's death. Park was 32.

Chief investigator Kwak Jeong-hee at Gangnam Police Station gave a briefing on Wednesday afternoon, declaring that Park died of suffocation early in the day after hanging himself from the cord of his camcorder's charger that he had hung to the top of his bedpost.

Kwak however, dismissed reports claiming that Park took his life from depression or problems he had related to taking sleeping pills for 14 years. "We were able to confirm that he had recently taken some pills although we do not know if it was after he got home last night. Nevertheless, it is unrelated to the cause of his death," Kwak explained.

Police were also unable to find any indications of financial or health related issues nor discover a memorandum on his recent thoughts or a suicide note.

However, for the past few days Park had confessed to his acquaintances that "both work and life are tough," asking to talk again after he had organized his thoughts.

Also, upon arriving at home past midnight after yesterday after drinking, Park had apologized to his father, close to tears, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I should be the one in pain, not you." Park's father has been diagnosed with late-stage stomach cancer and Park, a devoted son, was in agony over his father's illness.

Kwak added that the actor had taken sleeping pills on several occasions after finding difficulty in falling asleep from having to juggle his business as the CEO of his own agency YONA Entertainment, creating new businesses and pursuing his singing and acting career.

"Based on the testimonies, we are assuming that Park committed suicide on impulse after drinking from stress over his father's illness, his business and entertainment career," Kwak stated.

Park was discovered by his mother at 5:30 a.m. at his house today after he had taken his life. Police presume Park died around 3:00 a.m.

Park, who debuted as an actor in 1994, gained popularity throughout Asia after appearing in "Winter Sonata", a drama that first started the Hallyu craze, alongside top actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo.

He also led a successful singing career in Japan where he placed several albums within the top 10 ranks of the Oricon charts and won four consecutive Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Most recently, he had been set to star in the small screen adaptation of legendary Hong Kong pic "Comrades, Almost a Love Story," across actress Yoon Eun-hye.

He was on a brief visit to Korea this week while on a three-month long 16-city tour in Japan starting last week.

Korean actress Kim Ha-neul, who has been in Japan since last weekend, will be rushing back to Korea upon hearing of actor Park Yong-ha's sudden death earlier this morning.

The actress, who held a sold-out fan meeting in Japan over the weekend, had other schedules planned for the week.

"She decided to cancel the rest of her plans in Japan and rush back," an official at agency J. One Plus Entertainment told Asia Economic Daily over the phone on Wednesday.

"She was so shocked that she could not say anything. I think his death is harder for her to accept because Park Yong-ha was a bright and cheerful person," the official added.

Kim and Park had starred together in the hit TV series "On Air" (SBS, 2008).

The official added that many fellow actors, including So Ji-sub, are heartbroken over the news of Park, who was found dead in his apartment around 5:30 a.m. He had hanged himself on the cord of his camcorder charger.

A sobbing actor So Ji-sub arrives at late actor Park Yong-ha's wake service at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in South Korea on June 30, 2010. Park was found dead at his home in an apparent suicide.

So and Park, of the same age, were such good friends that they lived in the same apartment. "I'm closest with Song Seung-hun and Park Yong-ha. I seem them almost everyday when I don't have shoots," So had said during an interview for his MBC TV series "Road No. 1."

From left, SS501 Kim Hyung-jun and his younger brother, U-Kiss member Kim Kibum arrive at late actor Park Yong-ha's wake service at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in South Korea on June 30, 2010.

Singer and actor U-Know Yunho arrives at late actor Park Yong-ha's wake service at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital in South Korea on June 30, 2010.

Sources close to singer and actor Park Yong-ha, who was found dead this morning in an apparent suicide, have said it may be Park's great filial piety toward his father that led to his death.

According to multiple sources, Park moved in with his father, suffering from late-stage stomach cancer, so he could look after him.

He had even been reconsidering his decision to star in "Love Song," a small-screen remake of legendary Hong Kong pic "Comrades, Almost a Love Story," to spend more time by his father's side, sources said.

The series, also starring actress Yoon Eun-hye, was set to go into shoot around late July and go on air in Korea by the end of the year.

Sources also said Park and his father were like "close friends," with Park taking his father on tour with him to Japan as well as often discussing his career with him -- Park's father was a famed music producer in the 1970s to 1980s and the manager of veteran singer Song Chang-shik.

Hence, being the devoted son he is, Park probably tormented himself over his father's illness and chose to commit suicide, explained the sources.

News of Park's death has stunned fans and the entertainment industry as the celebrity, also a popular figure in Japan after starring in smash-hit series "Winter Sonata" alongside Bae Yong-joong and Choi Ji-woo, had been actively pushing forth his career as well as taking part in volunteer work.

Having led a particularly successful singing career in Japan, placing several albums within the top 10 on the Oricon charts and winning four consecutive Japan Gold Disc Awards, Park had attracted 20,000 fans to a concert marking the fifth year since his debut in the country and was set to go on a three-month long 16-city tour starting last week.

He had also visited the Republic of Chad in Africa over several occasions since last year as a goodwill ambassador of non-profit organization Good Neighbors and had donated money to help build a school under his name, YONA SCHOOL, in the country.

Park was found hanging himself from the cord of his mobile phone charger at 5:30 a.m. in his house. His body has been placed at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

Singer and actor Park Yong-ha was found dead at his home today morning after apparently committing suicide, according to a police source. Gangnam Police Station said Park's mother found the 32-year-old celebrity hanging himself by from the cord of his mobile phone charger at around 5:30 a.m. Police have yet to announce the details to Park's death -- they are investigating into the cause behind his suicide based on testimonies by his family. A source close to the actor said Park had been having a hard time coping with his father's illness.

"He had much filial love for his parents. I heard his father, suffering from a chronic disease, was recently moved home from the hospital."

Park's body has been placed at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital.

Park, 32, gained popularity throughout Asia after appearing in "Winter Sonata", a drama that first started the Hallyu craze, alongside top actors Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo. He has also led a successful singing career in Japan where he has placed several albums within the top 10 ranks of the Oricon charts and won four consecutive Japan Gold Disc Awards. Most recently, he had been set to star in the small screen adaptation of legendary Hong Kong pic "Comrades, Almost a Love Story," across actress Yoon Eun-hye. A major Hollywood studio had shown interest in the series which was revving up to go into shoot around late July and air in Korea at the end of the year.

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Finally the questions that fans and netizens waiting for have been revealed and many feel betrayed by leader KHJ for his decision to leave DSP Media and sign with Key East.

I've read many comments regarding KHJ decision. So many questions pop-up when the news came out. As an entertainer I really think he make a good decision...

Looking at fans point of view... we will only see what we really want to see. We would love it if KHJ stay with his former company and there are several reasons for that. As a fan there is a certain times we want to believe that Idol will always be an Idol, they won't get old, they won't change, they will always be smiling, they will always be together, will have this loyalty, friendship and brotherhood feeling towards other members and so on.

But looking at KHJ point of view, as an entertainer, as an individual person, as a man who works to gain something and have so many dreams... If stay means he have to retain himself from achieving his dreams and gains, than leaving is better than stay.

I should say KHJ is a wise man, he knows what he wants and he knows what to achieve. I believe he think and check the company background before decided to sign the contract. Key East is one of the most profit companies and to be part of a profit making company is what every person needed.

As for SS501 future ... I believe KHJ make a great deal with Key East regarding this. Whatever happens to SS501, will he be part of SS501? Will he continue his activities as SS501? This is not for him to answer. It was a decision between DSP & Key East. Without their approval there is nothing KHJ could do. And of coz netizens and fans voice...

So to support him all the way or point your fingers and blaming him for a decision he made for himself it's all up to you. As for me, I believe in him... I believe he will show us his different colors and talents within the new agency.

Friday, June 25, 2010

This is another Taiwanese drama that I’m hooked to. Sometimes I wish I just can skip it haha just because I don't want to get attached to it. But the problem is I've already trapped and seems like not watching it will make me even worse... so I stick to being attached to it.

Just like Autumn's Concerto I recommended you to watch this. Reasons... hmmm good story line, good actors, good songs and I think I mean I really think the ending will be something unpredictable (hope so... coz I'm tired with that kind of drama but still watching them anyway ^^).

What make this drama even interesting is, the way they describe each of their relationship. The love, the hate, the misunderstanding and the confusion between the characters is just too perfect to make you sit, wait and keep guessing. Each episode gave you all those emotion you're looking for, be it suspense, anger or passion...

My favorite character in this drama is of coz Xiao Mo & Ou Chen. When everyone seems to root for Luo Xi I can't help but love Ou Chen more. Of coz it's hard to decide when Luo Xi character have all the charm that make every girl melt but still Ou Chen character make you want to know him more, make you want to understand him more, make you think you can handle him. Well of coz this is just my opinion, if you root for Luo Xi just do it I'm not trying to make you accept what I thought coz that's just a thought of mine... ^^

I wish I can do the recap hahaha... but I'm a busy person... this won't work when I'm too busy... besides none of my recap done yet. I'm trying to finish the rest that I've started first... I'll recap this but just need more time.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

After the passing of SunYe’s father on the 24th of June, the leader is all but alone in the mourning of her father. Longtime friends of the always-smiling lady showed up to the funeral to support her during this tough time.

While promoting with the Wonder Girls in Singapore, SunYe got news of her father’s critical condition in the hospital. Taking the first flight to South Korea on the dawn of the 22nd, SunYe was able to watch over her father before he passed away.

SunYe, who was raised by her grandparents because of her father’s condition had recently bought an apartment late last year for the two of them to live comfortably. “I want do to all I can to allow my grandmother to enjoy the rest of her life by using what she wants, buying whatever she wants.” SunYe stated previously.

A spokesperson from JYP Entertainment released a statement regarding SunYe’s condition:

Because of SunYe’s relationship with her father, she is having a hard time. She is physically exhausted from crying so much. SunYe is enduring this sadness in a tranquil manner. She is trying her best to smile towards those who came to the funeral home.

Arriving first to the service was SunYe’s best friend, 2AM’s Jokwon. Also showing up in support were the following: Wonder Girls’ Sun Mi, Super Junior’s Kim Heechul and DongHae, Park KyungLim and her husband, and Park ShinHye. The other four Wonder Girls members are reported to be flying in and will join SunYe in the three day memorial service for her father. Also rumored to make an appearance is 2PM’s ex-leader, Jaebeom, who is currently in South Korea.

Wonder Girls member Sun at her father's wake service at Seoul Asan Hospital in Seoul, Korea on June 24, 2010. Her father passed away due to a chronic illness early Thursday morning.

These days, making a debut as an idol group in Korea is similar to a turtle egg that has been hatched on the beach. The moment the baby turtle breaks out of the egg shell and enters the ocean, he is guaranteed an infinite amount of freedom but a considerable number of them are put into a life or death crisis during the short time they head out to the ocean. Likewise, for idol group singers, the toughest and the most dangerous time in their careers is after they have made their debut and are trying to settle into their own place in the music industry. Most idol groups do not succeed in getting the public's attention and disappear from the spotlight right after their debut. Those who survived the phase come to life again through numerous stage performances and variety show appearances. It is only after people start recognizing them and gain a visible amount of fandom that the idol group members can get what they want, little by little. The members of MBLAQ are little warriors who battled through such dangerous survival game. MBLAQ, who caused a stir for being Rain's first idol group creation at the time of their debut, are gradually building up their own identity after going through many trials and errors and making as many accomplishments. These days, one can easily see them in any of Korea's variety shows. And not too long ago, they took the No. 1 spot on Mnet music show "M! Countdown." 10Asia met with the boys who just finished preparing for their dive into the ocean and talked about what they are currently up to.

10: Have you been watching the World Cup games?

Joon: Yes. I've been watching the highlights. (laugh)

10: Why? Because you are busy?

Joon: Yes. We are really busy. I used to want to be an actor so before I debuted, I knew what movies were playing in theaters. But these days I have no idea what's playing.

10: You are pretty much cut off from the world if you don't have time to watch the World Cup. (laugh)

Mir: It's the World Cup! (laugh)

G.O.: I think that is why we are living a pure life. (laugh) Like how guys in the countryside would be living. When I occasionally get free time and meet with other singers, I think to myself, "Ah, I am a very pure-living person." (laugh)

Joon: That is really, really, really true.

10: G.O., you even said on television that you went out with twenty girls before you debuted. (laugh)

G.O.: Whew, these days I feel like all that has been swiped clean and I have returned to a blank state. (laugh) Whatever you do, you feel bored if you do too much of it and you need a bigger stimulation. We have been living a secluded life for several years so I feel like when we do get the free time, we would have so much to do. And that makes me happy.

10: I heard that Mir sold a cow to go on a date. (laugh)

Mir: Yes, I am a liberal person... Haha. I think I've done pretty much everything in life.

10: The song "Y" reached No.1 on music show "M! Countdown." Did you have a change of heart after making No.1? (laugh) Didn't you have a celebration party or something afterwards?

Mir: We just rehearsed after the show, you know.

10: So you didn't have a change of heart. (laugh)

Seung Ho: My mental attitude did change a little. I feel more responsibility and I have ideas about what kind of music we should do next.

Cheon Dung: I just cried that night and forgot about it. Forgot about claiming No.1. I plan to keep forgetting about it if we make No.1 again in the future.

10: Seung Ho cried a little when you took No.1 for the first time on "M! Countdown." As the group's leader, perhaps you felt more emotional than others?

Seung Ho: I didn't think that I would cry. But my paternal grandfather passed away before we took No.1 and I would suddenly break down after saying a few words. If he had been healthy enough to be here for just two more weeks, he could heard our new song... So when I stood there making several comments, all the past memories really flashed through my head like pictures. I was very sad because I remembered my grandfather.

Mir: (imitates Seung Ho crying) Ugh- ugh-

Cheon Dung: He cried his heart away in tears.

Joon: I left mine in Sangam-dong [where the Mnet studio is located.].

G.O.: You know how they show the record sales and the judges' stats when they announce No.1? At that moment, you already start drawing out you emotions and strike a cool pose and...

Cheon Dung: I was standing next to him and he was already feeling emotional before that..

Mir: Everyone gasped for about three to five seconds and then started crying, but I cried the second they yelled "MBLAQ!" It was very embarrassing.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Hallyu star Lee Byung-hun's former girlfriend has requested for a new date of pleading to be set last minute, resuming a half-year long legal battle against the actor which was thought to have been withdrawn.

"In the afternoon, we received a mail from her containing an application for a third trial regarding the compensation suit she filed against Lee," Judge Jung Hyun-myung at the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office said late on Monday, adding a new date of hearing would be set the following day.

The court had decided earlier in the day to conclude that a civil suit that Lee's ex-girlfriend, a Canadian-American woman identified only by her last name Kwon, had been withdrawn with her not returning to Korea since leaving for Canada after suing the actor on December 8.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Hallyu star Lee Min-ho celebrated his upcoming birthday with his fans over the weekend, hosting a fan meeting for some 4,500 fans who turned up from Korea, Japan and China to see the actor.

The actor entertained his local and foreign guests in various ways at the event titled "2010 The Special Day with Minoz" held at Seoul's Kyung Hee University on June 20.

The fan meeting started with a showing of video message sent in by the fans, followed by a musical performance by Korean pop group See Ya, who performed their hits "His Voice" and "My Heart Is Heavy With Emotions," which was featured on the soundtrack for Lee's TV series "Personal Taste."

Lee too displayed his vocal chops, singing the song "Falling Slowly" from the Irish indie hit film "Once" (2006) which he had been practicing for the fan meeting.

"While I was rehearsing the song, I realized that singing isn't for everyone," said the actor. "I am not talented enough [to release an album] but I would like to take part in a soundtrack if the opportunity came by."

He added that he is a fan of the film "Once" and thinks "Falling Slowly" suits his voice.

Lee also carried on a friendly conversation with comedian Yoon Hyung-bin, who served as the emcee for the fan meeting.

The event featured several musical guests including boy band 2AM, female singer Younha and Taiwanese entertainer Joseph Cheng, who is considered the "Rain of Taiwan." Lee and Cheng exchanged gifts and promised to maintain their friendship in the future.

Actor Lee Min-ho poses at a photo session of a press conference for his fan meeting "2010 The Special Day with Minoz" held at Kyung Hee University's Grand Peace Palace in Seoul, South Korea on June 20, 2010.

K-pop idols SS501 and CNBLUE celebrated wins on televised music programs over the weekend.

SS501 scored their second win for "Love Ya" on KBS' weekend program "Music Bank" although the boys did not perform on the show.

Meanwhile, CNBLUE grabbed their first win on SBS' Sunday music show "Inkigayo" with their single "Love," beating out three-week winner Super Junior.

Other contenders on both shows included December, 4minute, Super Junior, MBLAQ and f(x).

SS501 made their debut with the single "Warning" in 2005, releasing numerous albums as a group and pursuing individual careers in acting and appearing in variety shows.

They have been enjoying their return to the music scene with their latest album "DESTINATION," which was released on May 24.

CNBLUE released two singles in Japan before breaking into the local music scene with their mini-album titled "Bluetory." Recently, they have been promoting their second mini-album "BLUE LOVE" featuring the title track "LOVE."

The group will hold their first concert in Korea on July 31 titled "Listen to the CNBLUE."

Top Korean actor Lee Byung-hun's legal woes surrounding a former girlfriend have been settled, his agency said on Monday.

According to BH Entertainment, the Seoul Central Prosecutors' Office concluded that a civil suit, filed against Lee last December by a Canadian-American woman identified only by her last name Kwon, has been withdrawn.

The court made its decision based on its judgement that Kwon no longer intends to take legal action -- Kwon has not returned to Korea since leaving for Canada after suing the actor on December 8.

Her absence from the country has led to her missing two dates for pleading, on April 22 and May 20, and she has not requested for a new date of pleading thereafter. The court considers a case withdrawn if a request is not made within a month of a no-show.

Hence Lee has been freed from the six-month long legal turmoil -- according to law, all records relating to a case are scrapped when a civil suit is withdrawn.

A legal dispute between the two had fired up when Kwon lodged a complaint saying she was allured into having a sexual relationship with the actor on his false promises of marriage, asking to be paid 100 million won in physical and psychological damages.

Lee took counter legal action, suing the woman for libel and asking the police to investigate multiple threats that he had received regarding his relationship with Kwon.

Kwon had also reported to authorities that the actor had taken part in illegal baccarat gambling overseas but the court cleared the actor of the charges, saying there is no evidence Lee had been involved in habitual gambling overseas.

The court also indicted former baseball player turned TV personality Kang Byung-kyu for his alleged involvement in an assault case on the set of "Iris" -- then starring Lee -- which he visited in mid-December over talk that Chung Tae-won, chief of Taewon Entertainment and producer of the hit show, had spread false rumor that he was behind the feud between Lee and Kwon.

Kang has been standing trial ever since while also countersuing Lee who had charged him with defamation. This case too has been in a deadlock however, due to Kwon's absence from the country.

Lee, 39, has long been considered one of the most successful actors in Korea, appearing in numerous Korean dramas and films, including TV series "All In" and director Park Chan-wook's 2000 film "Joint Security Area".

He also debuted in Hollywood last year with a supporting role in "G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra" alongside Channing Tatum and Sienna Miller and starred in action thriller "I Come with the Rain" with Josh Hartnett and Takuya Kimura which also showed in theaters in 2009.